NFL Draft 2013: Middle-Round Playmakers with Pro Bowl Potential

As we count down the months until the 2013 NFL draft, the football world continues to evaluate prospects with a keen eye. Everything from previous injuries to sexual orientation is placed under a tight lens.

Through all of the nitpicking, however, we're opting to look deep. Specifically, which potential middle-round selections possess Pro Bowl potential?

Some players attended major programs, but their draft status is weaker than they might have expected. Others could be found at less notable schools, carving out solid careers but going without NFL notice.

Fortunately, there are a handful of players who are 2013's diamonds in the rough

Ball was the star of the Wisconsin Badgers offense for two consecutive seasons. Whether running between the tackles or breaking out to catch a pass, Ball proved capable of doing it all.

That's why he tallied 55 rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons. He also caught six scores.

Perhaps most impressive of all, Ball was an every-down back who averaged 25.4 carries per game in 2012. Even still, he averaged 5.1 yards per carry.

Not only was Ball efficiently dominant, but he has the tools to make it work at the next level.

From his patience when attacking seams to his cut-back agility, Ball has it all. He knows how to put his head down and fight for extra yardage, all the while possessing the ability to finesse his way to extra yardage.

Ball is a special talent, folks—one that will shine regardless of where he's drafted.

In terms of raw ability, Marcus Lattimore may be the best running back in this draft class.

Lattimore runs with fluid motion, hits the gap with power and patience and is one of the best at picking up yards after contact. With a rare combination of lateral agility and downfield power, Lattimore has "star" written all over him.

Unfortunately, the South Carolina back has another phrase written all over him: "injury prone."

Lattimore has suffered season-ending knee injuries in two consecutive seasons. He was forced to miss the NFL combine due to his rehabilitation regime.

If he is able to remain healthy, Lattimore is a Pro Bowl-caliber talent. That just so happens to be a major "if."

At 6'5" and 237 pounds, EJ Manuel has the physical tools to make an impact at the next level.

After running a 4.65 40-yard dash at the combine and completing 68 percent of his passes as a senior in college, we learned that there's more to Manuel than his size.

There's Pro Bowl-caliber upside locked inside his gigantic frame.

Manuel is a pure winner. He won all four of the bowl games he appeared in during his college career and finished his tenure at FSU with a record of 25-6 as a starter.

Again, all he does is win.

At the NFL level, Manuel could join this generation of read-option quarterbacks. With the frame to stand in the pocket and the athleticism to go outside the tackles, Manuel is a defense's worst nightmare.